Dear Dr. Laura,
I thought I'd share a story about the kind of person we have the pleasure of calling our daughter. I realize that we cannot take full credit, but I would like to think that encouraging our kids to help others through example has had some impact.
A few years ago, our daughter began taking homeless people to lunch. At first this was terrifying to me and my husband! She always told us that she would have the person walk to the restaurant they would be dining at and that she made certain it was a busy place. She would then buy their food and herself something. Then she would just talk to them and listen. We tried to figure out how to tell her not to do this. We were not sure if was the right to do do. We struggled with our decision as we worried for her safety. She would always respond, "They need someone to talk to and it's so neat how they are so grateful for what they do have."
Last weekend, a homeless man asked us for money. We noticed a Waffle House on the corner. Instead of handing him money, we asked if he'd like to join us for a late dinner. We were moved by the gratitude that this man had for such a small thing. We finally truly understood all the things that our daughter had told us about her experiences. Sharing a meal seemed to have more of an impact than simply giving this man a few bucks.
We have dedicated ourselves to raising decent children. I am amazed every day by the things they teach me.
With gratitude for all the advice you have given to me,
Cecilia
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